Just as I start to get it

Tomorrow, I leave for Washington DC on the Orchestra trip through my school (I'm not even close to being good enough to be in a professional orchestra), and I won't have access to my laptop until Tuesday... which is kind of a bummer, because now, I can't read my favorite web comic, Least I Could Do. Written by Ryan Sohmer and Lar Desouza, it's one of the funniest things that I know. I mean, it's not appropriate for people who are... younger or don't have a perverse sense of humor (like I do) then it isn't interesting. It's also one of those things that you have to read from the beginning.

BUT-Today I plan on skipping my rant, mainly because it's late and I have to be up at 5:20 and out of the house... 20 minutes later. If you have the time, head over to Netflix and watch a tv show called "The Guild". It'll take maybe 2 hours out of your life, and it's really funny.

No music today either. I'm just way to tired (which I understand that it's weird for me, but again, 5 in the morning... not so appealing to a 17 year old...)

All My Life

Yes, starting to go "mainstream" here, but I couldn't help myself. That damn song is so freaking catchy. I mean, it's almost obnoxiously catchy. But, hey, what the hell, right? (pun totally intended.) So.... I haven't done any book reviews in a while, so I'm thinking that I should (though, hopefully, they won't sound as childish as the ones that I wrote last year, because I sound like an 11 year old... which is not acceptable). So, for today, we're going to start off with...

1. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. It was a really good book that I enjoyed on a 7 hour car ride back from Canada. From what I've heard, it's really pretty similar to the movie, but they changed some stuff, but that's almost to be expected. No one can stay on perfectly. The book moved pretty quickly, once John (Number Four) begins to develop his legacies (the powers that he gets for being from the planet Lorien) and once he starts dating Sarah (Diana Agron's character). It's an enjoyable book, full of both intrigue as well as the romantic aspect. Perfect, especially for us sci-fi chicks.

I love to read, and so today.... we're going to talk about... literacy.

Many people in the US are illiterate, and it's many more than most people are willing to believe, or even admit too. According to a survey among juveniles who were processed through the court system (federal and state), 85% of them were unable to read above a 4th grade-and that's saying that they can read at all. The critical age to teach a child to read is anytime before the 4th grade, which can be pretty hard, especially considering that when a child is in the 4th grade, that's when they start to understand logic and math, at least according to psychologist Jean Piaget, who developed cognitive development into 4 stages. 

The first stage, known as the sensorimotor stage, goes for children 0-2 years old. This is when children learn about depth perception and object permanence (when an object-or person-leaves, they know it hasn't vanished forever). 

The second stage, known as preoperational, goes for children 2-7. Children at this age are easily distracted by shiny or reflective surfaces. They are also very egotistical, but not like adults are. Children in this stage can't process that there is any other way of looking at something other than their way. According to modern psychologists, this is the age when children need to be taught how to read. 

The third stage, known as the concrete operational stage, goes for children 7-12. This is when children learn a sense of right and wrong, as well as begin to think logically.

The fourth stage, known as the formal operational stage, goes for everyone else. This is when we develop a sense of justice, and begin to question everything, from religion to school. 

According to the NAAL, or the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, one in four children grows up without knowing how to read. That's 25% of the population, an even more ridiculous number, especially when you consider that there are 310, 925, 453 people in the United States, or at least, according to the US census bureau. If you don't believe me, http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html . I make no promises that the number will still be the same when (or if) you check it, especially because it just added 7 people in the time that it took me to write this paragraph, and I type more than 65 words a minute. 

Also, please trust me-I've been doing my research, and you can look at more things related to population here: http://www.poodwaddle.com/clocks/worldclock/ , but currently, I want to get back on topic. (There's a shocker.)

But according to another source, 42 million ADULT Americans can't read. This is a topic that I hold very near and dear to my heart, especially because of the way that it impacts us, not only in the work place but also at school. Many athletes have a tendency to cheat, skating by on as much as they can. I'm not having a discussion about cheating with you (at least, not right now), but cheating is one of the ways that many athletes can get by without it. If these athletes don't read, it's not because they're stupid-it's because they can't. For one reason or another.

Another list though. MUSIC:

1. 5:19-MATT WERTZ
2. The Wanderer-MARC BROUSSARD
3. That's What She Said-FRIDAY NIGHT BOYS
4. I Don't Wanna Dance-HEY MONDAY

I hope you enjoy the 'lists' as well as my statistics. If you, or someone you know has trouble reading, don't be afraid to get help. The best way to learn is by getting an education, and help is available for you in many school districts, as well as tutors are available. 

Clearly...

No one actually reads what I have to say anymore. I'm not trying to sound desperate-maybe all of my readers left, or maybe all of you decided that I wasn't worth waiting for, but I'm trying guys. Being a second semester senior with very little on her plate has really opened up my opportunities, especially now that I'm IN college.... I'm trying to help you all, fuel your arguments against those who are uneducated, give you some good music to listen to, but I understand if you've all given up on me. Maybe I'll get lucky, and some innocent bystander will happen upon my blog, and then he'll tell one of his friends, who will tell one of her friends, and maybe (just maybe) I'll get some readers again. Until that time comes though, I'll pretty much type what I normally would.

Now, today, I plan on telling you a story. It's a story that I wrote for my ex-boyfriend (you know, that oh-so-wonderful guy I mentioned... back in July?) about a giraffe and a monkey who become best friends. This story was pretty short, and I hope anyone who eventually reads this takes the time to read it.

Our story begins on a hot and muggy summer Tuesday, because all stories should begin on a Tuesday, as it is right between the worst day of the week and "hump" day. A forest, full of old and majestic trees stands firm and proud, providing shade for Marvin, a young monkey who is alienated from all of the monkey's at the monkey school. Marvin enjoyed long walks on the forest's edge, and often enjoyed long swims in a lake, hidden from most people. On the fine Tuesday that our story begins on, Marvin walks to the lake, but does not jump in, as a lone giraffe is standing on the shore, tentatively drinking water. Marvin slowly approached the giraffe, and glanced around. "Hello?" Marvin had never seen a giraffe before. "Hello, my name is Geraldine. I'm a giraffe. What exactly are you?" Marvin looked around again and waited for a few seconds before answering. "My name is Marvin, and I'm a monkey. What are you doing at this lake?" Geraldine looked at him and waited a few seconds before responding. "One of my friends told me about it... I get picked on a lot by the other giraffes. Do you mind?" "Not at all. I get picked on by the other monkeys too, so it's alright."

That's all I really wrote, but I felt that part of it was an appropriate segue into what I wanted to address with you "readers" today-bullying. It's not just ostracizing a fellow classmate, or even a colleague, but it's when you make a person feel worse about themselves by talking about them behind their back, spreading rumors, or even being a jackass to their face. You can bully a person for all sorts of reasons, but the main reason is because a person is gay or lesbian. Back in the 1950's and 60's, it made sense because of how they were raised. Since most people my age were raised by parents were growing up during the sexual revolution, when it become more "acceptable" to be gay or lesbian, why do kids bully others? Are the close minded? Love is love is love. No matter what way you look at it, love is love.
And please, don't give me that religious bullshit, because if we followed the bible in all aspects, there would be no football, no eating shellfish, or a lot of other things that we do in today's society. If most religions consider homosexuality to be a sin, that's great for them, but since the constitution of our "fine" nation says that there will be a separation of church and state (that's religion and the government for those who don't understand), why does it matter? We aren't supposed to be controlled by a religion, because that's not what the founding fathers wanted. There are some religions where you could practice bestiality, and they don't give a shit, and since the 1st amendment gives us the freedom of religion, that means that people who are homosexuals should be allowed to do whatever the hell they want-without being bullied.
One of my best friends on the entire planet is bisexual, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her if she asked, and even if she didn't, I would still do it. I have no problem with her :liking girls", and I would kick the ass of anyone who did, because she's just the way she used to be, only now, she openly admits that she thinks some girls are attractive. I mean, I've been told I'm bisexual, and to be honest, after many of the posts from earlier, when I mentioned how I thought Bridget Regan was incredibly sexy, I can understand why. To clarify (since we're on the topic)-I am not bisexual or lesbian. I know because I have kissed a girl before, and I have no problem admitting that. According to a survey from "Seventeen Magazine", over 40% of high school girls have thought about kissing another girl, and 67% of those 40 had. Also, between 1990 and 2000, the average age for "coming out" had dropped from 22 (when most people graduate college) to 13 (when many children are in 8th grade).
Clearly, I'm not an advocate for bullying-in any form. Cyberbullying has become a new way for people to bully others, there are many examples, like the Irish girl who committed suicide because of the way she was being treated at school as well as online by her peers, or the gay guy who committed suicide because a video was posted of him with another man. If these people are persecuted for various reasons, and no one reports it, then you too are responsible. Bring it to a counselor, and don't black out names. There's a code of confidentiality, so you won't have to worry about the whole "snitches get stitches" thing.
If you're being bullied (online or in school), or if you're contemplating suicide from being bullied-don't. You can call the National Suicide Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-273-TALK, and don't be afraid to call. If you're being bullied and want to stop it, go to counselor, or tell a teacher that you trust. Sometimes, talking it out is the best (and safest road). If you consider suicide because of bullying, remember, there are people out there who care, and I hope that you take the time to realize that before you commit suicide. 


Anyways, onto brighter topics. MUSIC

1. Send Me On My Way-Rusted Root
2. Cash Cash-Cash Cash
3. Holly(Would You Turn Me On?)-All Time Low
4. Something to Hope For-The Undeserving

ENJOY! (I'll post tomorrow... I'm on a roll here!)

Anyways, onto lighter topics.

I called it off-I called it quits

So..... being a second semester senior has MANY advantages... like going down to Florida for Spring Break, and going to see ALL TIME LOW, HEY MONDAY, YELLOWCARD, AND THE SUMMER SET IN CONCERT ON MARCH 25TH! I love Hey Monday (as any reader should know) and I love The Summer Set as well. (again, any reader should know how much I love them as well.) I'm not too sure about Yellowcard and ATL is pretty much guaranteed to be awesome, and that's what I've heard from other friends who have seen them. So, as you can see, I'm pretty freaking excited.

Anyways, I have a few questions to pose for you, my loyal (if nonexistent) readers:
would you choose true love (and poverty) over 1 billion dollars (and everyone hates you)?
would you rather be a pirate or a cowboy?(the legit kinds though-not jack sparrow)
would you rather be cheated on and find out, or be cheated on and NEVER find out (though all your friends know)?

These are the kinds of things that we talk about during my Honors Economics class, which is actually a lot more fun than I anticipated at the beginning of the year. I hope the rest of the year keeps going this way. My teacher is an alum from my school, and he's pretty young too, so he manages to make it more interesting than it normally would be.

I just figured I could pose the questions to you guys, and if any of you have feedback, especially from yesterday's post, I would love to hear it.

Now, onto the music:

1. JESSIE J-Price Tag (ft. B.o.B.)
2. EMINEM-Cleaning out my Closet
3. JESSIE J-Do it like a Dude

Sorry the list is so short today, but I've been doing some community service, and I don't really have time.... unless you want me to go through my iPod (which I plan on doing next post)

Red Cup, you know I fly solo

So, that’s the lyrics from one of my favorite songs right now, called “Red Cup(I Fly Solo)” by CashCash, and it features Lacey Schwimmer and Spose. It’s really catchy, and I would recommend it to anyone. So, I’m currently in an argument with one of my friends about whether or not techno is a good genre (which, as all of you know, I dislike techno), but I told my friend that if he could find me a good techno song, I might change my mind. Since we’ve been at this for a few days now, I decided that I would leave it up to you guys, and see if any of you have a good idea for a techno song, since I’m trying to broaden my musical reach in a few different ways.

If you want to give me any of these songs that I’m convinced don’t actually exist (and trust me, I’ve looked. That was all that  my ex-boyfriend listens to, so he would give me a lot of links) then you can leave them in a comment for me to get around to-but I make no promises as to when, because we all know that I’m terrible with keeping track of when I post.

What I want to talk to you all about today is something that my honors economics class has spent a while talking about-can you put a monetary value on human life? I think that there’s no definite way to define it, but according to an article from the 16th of February (2011, so it’s recent), the Obama administration has deemed the price of a human life at 7.9 million dollars, a 2.6 million dollar raise from 2005, when it was 5.3 million dollars. This is an important topic to discuss, because it was segued into from a conversation about morals and ethics. Are morals and ethics different from economics? Is every choice that we make purely economic or moral, or do our morals come into play when we make an economic choice?

If we instituted the 343 million dollar plan to make mattresses more fire retardant, which (per year) would save 270 lives, should we? A vast majority of these mattress fires are started by smokers who smoke in bed. This program saves not only the smoker, but also the man in the apartment next door. Do we institute the 40 million dollar plan to put seat belts on every bus across the country, when only one child is killed a year? How can we not put a monetary value on life, when it’s so important for education against it? One of the girls in my class said that instead of putting the money to make mattresses more fire resistant, we should put that money into smoking education instead, so that everyone knows the dangers. Not all mattress fires are caused by smokers-in fact 20% of mattress fires are caused by a spark that gets shot out of the plug in the wall (which, in many houses in the US, emits about 270 volts-a deadly amount if some of that isn’t run through a conductor.)

Do we forsake the mattress program, even though we could cause the death of 54 people? If the monetary value of a human life is 7.9 million, that’s about 6 million dollars a person…

Do we implement the bus program, even though it takes about 6 years for it to live up to it’s full worth?

These questions are not just economics or monetary-it’s morals. Morals, psychologically speaking, are a system of what is right and wrong in a society, that varies drastically from culture to culture. For example, in the United States, we eat cows and other bi-products that come from that cow, yet people who are Hindu (or many people in India-not trying to be racist, just stating a fact) would find it sacrilegious, because they worship the cow. That’s just one example. We CAN put a monetary value on life, but only when it serves our benefits.

When an obese 70 year old man has a heart attack, tax payer’s money pays for any surgery, because he’s on Medicare. Hospitals have no right to turn away anyone, and that’s what we as a nation feel. Besides, he’s been putting money into the health care system-he only retired a few months ago. Imagine a 19 year old gets into a car accident, and is rushed to the emergency room. He’s contributed nothing to health care, and he’s living by himself-both of his parents are dead. Is he only given the minimum amount of care, because that’s what he’s expected to be given; that’s what we as a nation expect him to get? Imagine our 19 year old is paying for college (by himself, and he’s studying to be a business major) and the accident was caused by a drunk driver who was instantly killed. Do we expect him to pay for any medical costs as well as college? His career would allow him to pay for these medical bills, but if he has to juggle that along with college, how can we expect him to do what he has to in order to get by?

These economic and moral dilemmas are what make so many things impossible to accomplish across the board. So many corporations expect us to go along with what they say, and if the monetary value is black and white, it gives them a way to look at the costs and benefits of having faulty machinery and the way that they should be implementing their money. (Props to Toyota for their recall, even though it might have cost them more.)

I hope I’ve given you something to think about, and (hopefully) I’ll post more brain food for you guys later.

MUSIC TIME:

1. Lost (Remix ft. Jay-Z)-Coldplay
2. Electric Hearts-CashCash
3. Down Low (ft. Mos)-Kayne West
4. Guilty Filthy Soul(Ft. Wale)-AWOLNATION
5. Hey Alli-Runner Runner
6. Stand Up-Meelee

I hope you guys take the time to read the whole rant (instead of cutting to the bottom for the music…)